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Zoning (Planning and Development)

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1. Where are my property lines?

You can get a general idea of your property lines from the subdivision plat, if your property is platted. The best way to find your property lines is to have your property surveyed. The City of Hutchinson does not survey properties nor does the City maintain surveys of properties. Only a licensed land surveyor can tell you exactly where your property lines are located.

• Official subdivision plats and property deeds with legal descriptions are recorded at the Office of the Reno County Register of Deeds at 125 W. 1st Avenue in Hutchinson.
• Unofficial dimensions and unofficial legal descriptions are available on the Reno County Parcel Search web site: http://www.renogov.org/132/Parcel-Search.
• Unofficial copies of subdivision plats are located at City Hall in the Planning and Development Department and can also be viewed on the "Subdivision Plat Download Map" at http://www.hutchgov.com/433/GIS-Maps.

2. How do I locate my water or sewer line?

Locations of water mains and sewer mains can be viewed on the General Utility Map at http://www.hutchgov.com/433/GIS-Maps. However, the City of Hutchinson does not have records of private water line or private sewer line locations. A professional plumber may be able to locate your private lines from the water main or sewer main to your house.

3. If I build a new garage or addition onto my house, will my property taxes go up?

Taxes are based upon the appraised value of your property and the prevailing tax rate. Contact the Reno County Appraiser at 620-694-2915 for more information.

4. What is my property zoned?

The Official Zoning District Map of the City of Hutchinson can be found here: http://www.hutchgov.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2109

Questions regarding zoning can be referred to the Planning and Development Department at 620-694-2639.

5. What are setbacks and why do I have them?

A setback is a minimum distance that buildings and fences must be placed from property lines. Setbacks are designed to provide for health and safety, adequate room for parking, and a uniform neighborhood appearance.  Contact the Planning and Development Department at 620-694-2639 to obtain setback information for your property. Zoning regulations, platted setback restrictions, utility easements and drainage easements can impact the setbacks for a property.

6. What can I build or plant in the easement on my property?

No buildings, including sheds, can be placed in a utility easement or drainage easement. Fences may be permitted in most utility easements but are generally not permitted in drainage easements. Contact the Planning and Development Department at 620-694-2639 for specific details. Planting in easements is permitted as long as the landscaping is low-investment, such as grasses and small shrubs.

7. Do I need a permit to construct a storage shed, garage or carport on my property?

A building permit is required for all detached structures larger than 120 square feet and all attached structures and additions to existing structures regardless of size. A building permit is not required for detached structures 120 square feet or smaller. Structures that require a permit must meet the adopted building codes of the city. All structures and additions must meet setback requirements (see FAQ #5) and must be at least 5 feet from all other structures.

8. How much does a building permit cost?

The building permit fee for most projects is based upon the cost of construction, including materials and labor. See the building permit fee schedule here: http://www.hutchgov.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3611

9. How big can my accessory structure be?

The sidewalls of accessory structures cannot be taller than 12 feet in height. The combined lot coverage of all accessory structures cannot exceed more than 35% of the rear yard. Each zoning district has a maximum lot coverage for accessory structures, typically 10% of the lot. Please confer with Planning Staff to obtain the requirements for your specific property.

10. What is the maximum height for sheds, garages, shops, etc.?

The sidewall height of a residential accessory structure must be no taller than twelve feet (12’).  The total height of the structure cannot exceed the building height limit of the zoning district in which the structure is located. In most districts, the building height limit is 35 feet.

11. What are the restrictions on siding and roofing materials?

Accessory buildings on residential properties are required to have siding and roofing materials that are similar in color and material to the siding and roofing materials used on the house. For more specific details please call the Planning and Development Department at 620-694-2639.

12. What are the requirements for constructing a garage or carport?

You need to obtain a building permit prior to constructing a garage, shed, or carport on your property. A building permit can be obtained from the Inspection Department at City Hall. Wooden, stick-built garages and carports must meet minimum building code standards for footings, walls, and rafters. Metal-framed structures are required to be designed by a licensed Kansas engineer. All companies that build or install garages and carports are required to be registered contractors with the City of Hutchinson. All garages and carports are required to have a concrete floor. Garages and carports are also required to have a paved driveway made of either concrete, asphalt, or asphalt millings with a slurry seal. For more information, see the following brochure: http://www.hutchgov.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1060

13. What are the requirements for constructing storage shop buildings?

A building permit is required for a storage shop building larger than 120 square feet. Storage shop buildings must be placed on a permanent foundation or be anchored to the ground with an approved anchoring system. Storage shop buildings are required to meet setback requirements and must be a minimum of five feet (5’) away from all other structures. If the building has a door wider than eight feet (8’), a paved driveway will be required. See FAQ #12.

14. What are restrictive covenants?

Restrictive covenants are private agreements often recorded with the subdivision plat or deed of a property. They usually place restrictions on the use of lots and on architectural design of homes and buildings in the subdivision. Restrictive covenants are usually binding on current and future owners of a property. Restrictive covenants are enforced by property owners who are bound by the covenants or by an appropriate owner’s association. To obtain a copy of any covenants that impact your property, go to the Office of Reno County Register of Deeds at 125 West 1st Avenue in Hutchinson.

15. Who assigns addresses?

The Building Official assigns addresses. The Building Official's office is located in the Building Inspection Department at City Hall, 125 E. Avenue B, in Hutchinson. The telephone number is 620-694-2631.

16. Can I park my RV on my driveway?

A single RV can be parked on the front driveway by a visiting guest or the property owner for a maximum period of five (5) days in any calendar month, but there are restrictions. See the brochure on parking RVs here: http://www.hutchgov.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/5241

17. Where can I park semi-trucks in the City?

Semi-trucks and trailers can be parked in Industrial Zoning districts indefinitely. They can be parked in Residential and Commercial Zoning districts for less than 24 hours at a time only for loading and unloading goods.

18. Where can I display my vehicle for sale?

Vehicles for sale can only be displayed on property that is owned or leased by the vehicle owner. Vehicles cannot accumulate or be displayed on property unless the City Planning Department has issued a Zoning Certification authorizing such use. Vehicle sales lots are not permitted in Residential Zoning districts.

19. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

A permit is not required for a garage sale. However, there is a limit of two (2) garage sale events per year per property with a maximum duration of each sale lasting no more than seven (7) days. Garage sales are not allowed in commercial or industrial zoning districts.

20. Do I need a permit for a temporary retail sale?

Yes. Events such as tent sales, tent shelters, firework stands, garden centers or food centers require a Temporary Use Permit. The application must include a site plan showing the layout of the sales area, proof of liability insurance, a Kansas Department of Revenue Sales Tax Certificate, and written authorization from the property owner. The location and number of events per year are limited. Please call the Planning and Development Department for more details at 620-694-2639.

21. Can I keep horses or chickens on my property?

Chickens are allowed in the City, but roosters are not allowed. Properties up to 7,000 square feet can have three chickens. For each additional 2,000 square feet of lot area, one additional chicken may be kept, up to a maximum of 10 chickens. Animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, deer, goats, pigs, hogs, turkeys, ducks, game birds, and geese, are not permitted in the City.

22. Can I operate a daycare from my home?

Yes. You must obtain a Residential Daycare Home Permit from the Planning and Development Department. The daycare provider is required to be licensed by the State of Kansas and must reside on the premises. Before approval or renewal of a Residential Day Care Home Permit, the home must be inspected for compliance with building and fire codes.